What we're doing now

Our researchers in Cardiff are turning pioneering discoveries into new therapies, helping to beat cancer sooner.

Dr Matt Smalley and his group are working to understand the molecular ‘signatures’ of different types of breast cancer, as well as differences between cancer cells in an individual tumour. The researchers hope their work will lead to more effective, targeted therapies in the future.

Professor Duncan Baird and his team are working to understand how the sticky ends of DNA strands called ‘telomeres’ might be important in the development of leukaemia and other cancers.

Professor Awen Gallimore’s research group is focused on using the immune system to tackle cancer. They are developing a way to grow specialised blood vessels directly into the heart of tumours, to deliver immune cells called T-cells, whose job is to kill damaged cells, destroying the tumour from within.

Professor John Chester leads the Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre – part of our national network ensuring that new lab discoveries benefit patients as quickly as possible.

Your support helps to fund 14 Cancer Research UK research nurses in Wales, working alongside cancer doctors across the country to look after patients who are taking part in clinical trials.

How we've made a difference so far

Cardiff has been recognised for its world-class research into the adult leukaemia acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Professor Alan Burnett led the UK national trials in this disease for more than 20 years, which have now become world’s biggest trials for this cancer type.

Professor Malcom Mason was a world-leading doctor who specialised in running clinic trials from Cardiff that have improved treatment for men with prostate cancer.

Our scientists in Cardiff are running a series of important trials to improve detection and treatment of lung cancer. This includes the largest lung cancer trial in the world, involving people from over 150 UK hospitals. Detecting lung cancer at an early stage would help more people beat the disease.

Help us beat cancer sooner

We receive no government funding for our research. Our life-saving work relies on the money you give us.

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Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London EC1V 4AD.